What is Haya?

Hayat means life and Haya is derived from Hayat. It can be translated in a number of ways, it can be a concept of modesty or shyness, or it can also be a concept of self respoect and shame. The Haya is all about bashfullness and honor that Islam tells everybody to display in their character. It gives the concept of refraining from the indecent behavior and not make Allah angry by playing a role which offense others.

The role of Haya in the lfie of a Muslim is huge. It is a key part of our faith according to Quran and Hadith.  :

Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): The Prophet said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith.” (Bukhari)

The importance of Haya was displayed in the life of prophet Muhammad. He taught us that how to be ashamed of something wrong and abscence of Haya is the abscence of shame.  Once The Prophet (saws) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya and was saying, “You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.” On that, Allah’s Apostle said, “Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith.” (Bukhari)

Shyness is not only for the women but also is a wealth for Muslim men. This is attribute that displays the fear of Allah and not to do or see anything that is displeasig to Allah. The modern influence of western media has declined these values in the Muslim world, the society looks at shyness and humility in a negative way. Some people describe shyness as a weakness or lack of confidence.

Types of Haya 

When a Muslim man or woman is ashamed of committing a sin, then this is a characterisitic of Haya. When they apply this attribute in their life, the pleasure of Allah surrounds them. There is a social aspect of Haya as well in the family life or relationships.The examples are a wife not doing anything displeasing to her husband and a child not saying anything to their teacher in respect. Shyness is not a weakness, it is a strong weapon of Muslim who puts this world behing the pleasure of Allah.
One of the most important aspects of haya, for women, is that of guarding their chastity and their modesty. They are advised by Allah and his prophet to keep their adornments hidden from all men.  Displaying their beauty is public is not an act of Haya, wearing a hijab is an example of Haya. There is no contradiction in Islam on the issue of Haya for both men and women. When a woman has fear of Allah, she stays modest and remains shy.

Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.” (Baihaqi)

Therefore many Hadith express the significance of wearing modest clothes and hijab which is a pillar of Haya. This saves them from the immoral men and thier eyes, it also becomes a symbol of their grace.

Narrated on the authority of Anas bin Malik, the Prophet (saw) said: When lewdness is a part of anything, it becomes defective; and when haya is a part of anything it becomes beautiful. (Tirmidhi)

Narrated Aisha (ra): “I used to enter my house where Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was and take off my garment, saying that only my husband and my father were there; but when Umar was buried along with them, I swear by Allah that I did not enter it without having my clothes wrapped round me owing to modesty regarding Umar.” (at-Tirmidhi and Ahmed)

Source: missionislam.com/knowledge/Haya.htm